Alexander Zverev Survives Dramatic Match to Advance at U.S. Open The U.S. Open’s first-round action on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, was marked by relentless rain and dramatic comebacks as top players battled through challenging conditions at Flushing Meadows. Alexander Zverev, the French Open champion and Wimbledon finalist, overcame a grueling five-set match against Lorenzo Sonego to secure his place in the second round, keeping his bid for a third consecutive Grand Slam final alive. The rain disrupted the schedule, forcing delays and creating an unpredictable atmosphere for the players. Zverev, who was given top billing in New York due to the absence of injured world number one Jannik Sinner, faced a stern test from Sonego. The match, which lasted four hours and 53 minutes, saw Zverev twice trailing by two points before ultimately prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4. After the match, Zverev expressed relief at his victory, stating, “I’m just happy I won, that’s it. I’m happy that I won this battle and it was exactly what I needed. Good things happen after you fight through these matches.” His next opponent will be Quentin Halys, setting up a potential clash between the Frenchman and the French Open champion. The rain also affected other matches, with thousands of spectators donning ponchos as they waited for the action to resume. In the Arthur Ashe Stadium, American tennis star Madison Keys, the 2017 runner-up, overcame nerves to defeat Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4. Keys, who had struggled with nerves in her first-round match a year earlier, praised her ability to adapt, saying, “It’s so hard to play the first round of a Grand Slam. So nervous and wanting to do well. So grateful I was able to fight through that.” She will face Hungarian Anna Bondar in the next round. Meanwhile, 2024 U.S.#alexander_zverev #madison_keys #quentin_halys #alina_korneeva #lorenzo_sonego
